THE leader of a national fuel protest who blockaded Stanlow in 2000 has died.
Brynle Williams, from Cilcain, died last week aged 62 after a long battle with cancer.
The Conservative politician, who was elected to the Assembly in 2003, was known for his work as leader of the fuel protests at Stanlow oil refinery in 2000.
Fellow North Wales Conservative AM Mark Isherwood said: “Brynle was a good friend and a great fighter.
“I will miss him greatly and will always regret that I didn’t get to see him again before he left us.”
Alyn and Deeside Assembly candidate John Bell added: “I am deeply saddened by this news. Brynle was a towering figure in Welsh politics who gave me a great deal of support and advice.
“My thoughts are with his family. They have lost a loving husband and father, we have lost a friend, the farming and rural community has lost a doughty champion and Wales has lost one of its favoured sons.”
Labour MPs Mark Tami and David Hanson also paid tribute to Mr Williams.
Mr Hanson said: “I am deeply sorry to hear of the death of Brynle Williams. He was a hard-working public servant who will be sadly missed by the public he served.
“I knew Brynle to be a true gent and despite holding different political views he was a good friend. My sympathies go to his family.”
Mr Tami added: “It is very, very sad news for his family and for his friends. Brynle represented the farming community with considerable diligence and I'm sure he will be sadly missed.
